Bordeaux 2015 Médoc Pessac-Léognan Graves Sauternes

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1 Bordeaux 2015 Médoc Pessac-Léognan Graves Sauternes By Derek Smedley MW Last Updated 4/14/2017 Derek Smedley MW, Rectory Cottage, Lilley, Hertfordshire, LU2 8LU.

2 October 11, 2012 BORDEAUX 2015 Tasting notes from the following growers: Contents Saint-Estèphe... 3 Pauillac... 5 Saint-Julien... 9 Margaux Moulis Listrac Haut-Médoc Médoc Pessac-Léognan Rouge Pessac-Léognan Blanc Graves Rouge Sauternes Barsac Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 2

3 BORDEAUX 2015 October 11, 2012 Bordeaux 2015 Médoc / Pessac-Léognan / Graves / Sauternes / Barsac Tasted in Bordeaux En-Primeur April 2016 Tasted on other occasions see date & place in italics 2015 is a very good year for the well made reds with pure fruit, suppleness and a balancing, refreshing acidity. It does not have the opulence of 2009 or the intensity of 2010 a little like 2005 yet the tannins are finer the palate more velvety and soft. They have the style and elegance of 1985 and remind one of 1953.There are wines that will give a lot of pleasure in the future wines that might come forward quite quickly but have enough acidity for long life time will tell. The year winter was appreciably colder than those of previous years and this led to a late flowering but the dry and sunny spring ensured that it was speedy and regular. The hot dry weather persisted throughout June and July and there were fears of water stress particularly for the young vines. Some rain in August saved the day and helped to ensure a good veraison (change in the colour of the grapes). The September days were warm, dry and sunny the night s cool enabling the grapes to gain sugar richness but retain good acidity, ensuring silky tannins and a good aromatic potential. The harvest for the reds took place from 8 th September to 6 th October, the berries small with thick skins a richness of flavour. The August weather was a worry for the dry whites, the Sémillon in particular, but September dryness saved the day with the cool nights ensuring crispness in the Sauvignon Blanc. The sweet whites were helped by the August showers and the September warm days and cool nights aiding the development of the noble rot which was both widespread and even throughout Sauternes and Barsac. Claret 9/10 Keep Sauternes 9/10 Keep Saint-Estèphe Château Calon-Ségur 3eme Cru Perfumed a touch of spice the nose is fresh and fragrant. The start of the palate light but there is mid sweetness the fruit underpinned by fine tannins. It fills out a bit at the back some ripe cassis but the finish is fresh, light and fragrant. Château Capbern Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

4 October 11, 2012 BORDEAUX 2015 Concentrated fruit on the nose the start of the palate is sweet with rich fruit in the middle. Under the black fruits and dark chocolate bilberry and bramble refresh and lighten the finish. Château Cos d Estournel 2eme Cru The mix of black fruits on the nose is sweet the start of the palate has depth rich black cherry. Lighter in the middle bright fresh fruit a hint of spice yet there is richness and sweetness at the back a feeling of balance. Château Cos Labory 5eme Cru Bright and fresh on the nose the palate has depth with concentrated black fruits. The mid palate is rich with cassis and black cherry underpinned by dark chocolate and liquorice. Firmer at the back the fruit supported by fine tannins the finish has richness and depth. La Dame de Montrose nd wine of Château Montrose Sweet and ripe the nose has depth and the start of the palate is fleshy and supple with a rich mix of black fruits. There is an underlying freshness the mid palate lighter and at the back bilberry and bramble refreshes and brightens the finish. Château Lafon-Rochet 4eme Cru The nose is fresh and firm and the start of the palate tight. The black fruits in the middle are sweet cassis and black cherry and although a fair weight of fruit at the back the finish lacks a bit of generosity. Marquis de Calon nd wine of Château Calon-Ségur The nose has a mix of fruits the start of the palate rich and sweet fleshy black fruits. Lighter in the middle herbal freshness and a hint of spice and although there is more depth and sweetness at the back the finish is bright and fresh. Château Meyney Black fruited power the nose has depth of fruit the start of the palate a rich mix of cassis and black cherry. There is mid concentration, structure with fine tannins the back palate has sweet fruit and dark chocolate the finish depth and richness. Château Montrose 2eme Cru Concentration richness the nose has a powerful mix of black fruits the palate a brooding depth. The tannins are fine and not that obvious but support. The fruit at the back is ripe a rich mix of black fruits yet there is balance with freshness on the finish. Château Ormes de Pez Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 4

5 BORDEAUX 2015 October 11, 2012 Smoky and fragrant the nose has lots of charm with a mix of fresh fruits. The black fruits on the palate are sweet and ripe mid fleshiness depth of flavour the fruit underpinned by fine subtle tannins. The finish has depth and ripeness. Pagodes de Cos nd wine of château Cos d Estournel Bright and fragrant the nose has freshness and discreet spice. Depth on the palate the rich ripe black fruits are supported by firm but ripe tannins. The fruit at the back is fresher a bramble and bilberry mix bright on the finish just a slight lack of depth. Château Pédesclaux 5eme Cru The fruit on the nose is ripe the palate has concentration and depth of flavour a mix of black fruits. Sweeter in the middle the fruit is supported by firm but ripe tannins and although fleshy at the back the finish if firm and tight. Château de Pez Quite tight and closed on the nose but it opens up on the palate with ripe black fruits. Mid concentration coffee and chocolate but at the back there is freshness some bramble and bilberry that gives a lighter feel to the finish. Château Phelan-Ségur The nose is fresh the start of the palate firm bramble freshness. Sweet and ripe on the mid palate more depth of flavour rich at the back but the finish is quite light, bright and fresh. Château Tronquoy-Lalande Concentrated black fruits the nose has depth and the palate richness and sweetness supple and fleshy. It is firmer and fresher at the back but the tannins are fine and ripe and there is sweetness and depth of fruit on the finish. Pauillac Château d Armailhac 5eme Cru The nose is closed the start of the palate quite tight the black cherry underpinned by firm tannin. Richer at the back the fruit is sweet more generosity with a mix of black cherry and cassis giving more depth on the finish. Château Batailley 5eme Cru The nose is bright the fruit on the start of the palate fresh the fruit backed by firm tannins. Richer in the middle a black cherry cassis mix concentration on the back palate the finish is tight the tannins very firm. Château Beausite Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

6 October 11, 2012 BORDEAUX 2015 Ripe and sweet on the nose the start of the palate is fleshy with cassis and black plum. Lighter in the middle the tannins are firm the back palate quite tight with bright fresh bilberry on the finish. Carruades de Lafite 2 nd wine of Château Lafite Light bright the nose is fresh the start of the palate has a fragrant mix of fresh fruits bramble backed by bilberry. There is mid concentration fleshy richness the fruit supported by fine tannins and although sweet and ripe at the back the finish is lighter with a mix of fresh fruits. Château Clerc Milon 5eme Cru Sweet fruit on the nose the palate has generosity at the start the mid palate a mix of cassis and black cherry. The tannins are firm and tend to hold back the fruit tight and structured yet it does open up at the back with depth richer black fruits on the finish. Château Croizet-Bages 5eme Cru Bright fresh on the nose the palate has a bilberry bramble mix. There is more mid richness ripe cassis but firm tannins tend to hide the richness the back palate is tight and the finish lacking in generosity. Château Duhart-Milon 4eme Cru Smoky black fruits the palate is light with a mix of fresh fruits. Sweeter and ripe in the middle more depth of flavour a mix of cassis and bramble. The back palate has depth the fruit ripe but the firmness of the tannins tends to close down the finish. Echo de Lynch nd wine of Château Lynch-Bages The nose has mix of black fruits concentration and depth the start of the palate lighter with more of a bramble and bilberry influence. The fruit in the middle is ripe more depth the fleshy richness at the back rather overtaken by tannic firmness. Forts de Latour nd wine of Château Latour Brooding black fruits the nose has concentrated depth the palate a rich mix of black cherry and cassis. Although the tannins are firm there is mid sweetness suppleness and flesh the richness of the fruit balanced by bramble freshness. Bright and light at the back there is purity of flavour with sweeter rich fruit giving depth and richness on the finish. Château Grand-Puy-Ducasse 5eme Cru The nose is bright the fruit on both nose and palate fresh. Cassis and black cherry give more depth richness in the middle but the back palate lacks concentration the finish is firm and tight. Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 5eme Cru Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 6

7 BORDEAUX 2015 October 11, 2012 The fruit on the nose is ripe a rich mix of black fruits the palate supple velvety with fine ripe tannins. Silky and smooth the black fruits are backed by dark chocolate and although rich and ripe at the back the finish is lighter fragrant with style and elegance. Tasted at the Château May Château Haut-Bages-Libéral 5eme Cru The fruit on the nose is fresh the start of the palate firm the mid palate dense with black cherry and cassis. There is a sweeter feel at the back some rich fruit with concentrated fruit giving firmness on the finish. Château Haut-Bages-Monepelou The mix of black fruits is sweet and ripe the start of the palate has fleshy richness. Lighter and firmer in the middle the tannins obvious tending to hold back the fruit and although sweet fruit at the back the finish lacks richness and depth. Château Haut-Batailley 5eme Cru Fleshy richness the fruit is sweet the nose has depth the palate the richness of ripe fruit. Supple in the middle velvety and smooth the sweet fruit underpinned by fine tannins. There is a fleshy richness at the back but enough underlying freshness to brighten the finish. Tasted at the Château May Les Hauts de Lynch-Moussas nd wine of Château Lynch-Moussas Bright fruits the nose is fresh the start of the palate has a bramble and bilberry mix light and firm in the middle. The tannins are fine and not over hard sweet at the back yet the finish light and bright. Lacoste Borie nd wine of Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste The nose has a fleshy richness the palate depth of fruit ripe cassis in the middle. Fine tannins add to the suppleness the back palate has richness and depth but there is freshness a lighter fragrant feel to the finish. Château Lafite 1er Cru Woodland violets fragrance the nose has charm the start of the palate is fresh. There is depth of fruit in the middle rich flavours velvet smoothness suppleness the fruit underpinned by fine tannins. Under the rich mix of cassis and black cherry bilberry refreshes and lightens the back palate is lifted fragrant ethereal and long. Château Latour 1er Cru Breadth on the nose the palate has depth of fruit a mix of black cherry and black plum concentration and richness. The tannins are firm but ripe the back palate has a brooding power yet there is freshness on the finish lighter with hints of cedar wood and exotic spice. 7 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

8 October 11, 2012 BORDEAUX 2015 Lions de Batailley nd wine of Château Batailley Firm and tight the start is very fresh and light the mid tannins are firm. There is more depth at the back some ripe cassis a touch of chocolate with bright fruit fresh cassis giving lightness on the finish. Château Lynch-Bages 5eme Cru Concentrated black fruits the nose has depth the palate a rich mix of cassis and black cherry. There is mid sweetness with dark chocolate and liquorice behind the fruit the tannins are fine giving support. Impact on the back palate depth yet the finish has freshness purity and length. Château Lynch-Moussas 5eme Cru Firm on the nose the palate is tight the tannins obvious and hard. Richer in the middle ripe cassis and black cherry a slight lack of generosity at the back yet there is sweetness on the finish. Château Mouton-Rothschild 1er Cru Firm black cherry on the nose slightly tight the start of the palate has muscle concentrated black cherry the tannins are firm. It fills out in the middle quite fleshy and velvety ripe and rich at the back. Bilberry and bramble on the finish give a fresher feel the finish is perfumed with lingering flavours. Château Pauillac Inky blackcurrant the palate is jammy concentrated blackberry jelly the fruit backed by firm aggressive tannins which hold back the fruit leaving a dusty dryness on the finish. Pauillac de Latour The nose has concentration the richness of ripe black fruits and the start of the palate has depth the fruit backed by firm but ripe tannins. Dense black fruits in the middle yet it is lighter and fresher at the back violets a hint of vanilla with bilberry and bramble freshness on the finish. Petit Mouton nd wine of Château Mouton-Rothschild The fruit on the nose is sweet the start of the palate has concentration rich black fruits. The sweetness on the mid palate is underpinned by fresher fruits lighter at the back yet there is concentration and richness on the finish. Château Pichon-Baron 2eme Cru Brooding richness the nose has depth the start of the palate a mix of powerful black fruits. Behind the firmness at the start ripe fruit gives richness the mid palate has flesh suppleness velvet smoothness. Bilberry adds brightness a balance of flavours with the rich fruit giving depth on the finish. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 8

9 BORDEAUX 2015 October 11, 2012 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2eme Cru The fruit on the nose is ripe the start of the palate has depth a rich mix of cassis and black cherry. Lighter in the middle fragrant charm the sweet fruit is underpinned by bramble freshness silky velvet smooth at the back yet it finishes firmer and fresher with elegance and length. Château Pontet-Canet 5eme Cru Concentrated black fruits the nose has depth the palate brooding richness. Firm in the middle black cherry backed by cassis the mid tannins are quite tight. There is more power at the back a density of fruit the richness giving way to fresh bilberry the finish is lighter and fragrant. Reserve de la Comtesse nd wine of Château Pichon-Longueville Lalande Perfumed fragrant the nose is bright and fresh the start of the palate light with bramble and bilberry freshness. The fruit in the middle is ripe and sweet fleshy and velvety but bright at the back with a lighter fresher feel to the finish. Saint-Julien Château Beychevelle 4eme Cru The nose is quite firm with a mix of fresh black fruits and the palate starts bright and quite fresh. Sweeter in the middle the mix of cassis and black cherry is rich depth at the back with breath of flavour on the finish. Château Branaire-Ducru 4eme Cru Bright quite light the bilberry and bramble on the nose is fresh and the start of the palate firm. There is mid richness good depth of flavour the cassis and black cherry is backed by dark chocolate. Brighter at the back the finish has freshness and length. Clos du Marquis Sweet and ripe on the nose the palate has depth richness cassis and black cherry backed by chocolate and coffee beans. The tannins are fine the back palate has sweet fruit yet there is freshness brightness on the finish. La Croix Beaucaillou nd wine of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou The nose has mix of fresh fragrant black fruits and the start of the palate is bright and light. There is more depth in the middle rich ripe fruit supple and fleshy the underlying tannins are fine giving support and although less concentrated at the back it finishes with sweetness. Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 2eme Cru The black fruits on the nose are ripe the palate sweet with rich black cherry backed by chocolate and coffee. Fine well handled tannins support the back palate is supple and fleshy but there is 9 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

10 October 11, 2012 BORDEAUX 2015 underlying freshness bright at the back bilberry freshness under the ripe black cherry. The fruit lingers on the finish stylish with an elegant charm. Château Gloria The mix of black fruits is sweet and ripe both nose and palate has depth. Ripe cassis and black cherry are underpinned by fine tannins the back palate has sweet fruit the finish though lighter, bright and long. Château Gruaud-Larose Firm black fruits the nose is a bit tight but the palate has more depth with rich ripe fruit. Under the ripe cassis bilberry refreshes the finish lighter just lacks a bit of length. Château Lagrange 3eme Cru The nose has depth the palate has a concentrated mix of black fruits. Firm in the middle but sweeter at the back black cherry and cassis is backed by liquorice and dark chocolate. Château Lalande Borie Sweet ripe fruit the nose has depth the start of the palate is rich. Supple and fleshy on the mid palate the ripe fruits are backed by chocolate richness yet the ripeness is balanced by a mix of fresh black fruits and although lighter at the back the finish is rich and ripe. Château Langoa Barton 3eme Cru Bramble freshness on the nose the start of the palate is light and bright. Richer black fruits in the middle cassis and black cherry more depth of flavour and although fresh at the back nervy with hints of spice it builds towards the finish with rich black cherry. Tasted at the Château May Château Léoville Barton 2eme Cru The nose is concentrated with depth richness black fruits and the start of the palate has brooding power. The fruit on the mid palate is ripe with black cherry and cassis backed by dark chocolate. A hint of cedar wood at the back adds to the complexity with coffee beans and cassis on the finish. Tasted at the Château May Château Léoville Las Cases 2eme Cru Brooding depth the nose is sweet the start of the palate has the richness of ripe fruit. Chocolate and liquorice in the middle add to the richness but there is underlying bilberry freshness layers of flavour lots of complexity. The finish is long bright and elegant. Château Léoville Poyferré 2eme Cru Bright and fresh on the nose the palate is richer with ripe blackcurrant and cherry. Mid depth the sweet fruit backed by dark chocolate and coffee but there is an underlying balancing freshness the finish is long and bright. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 10

11 BORDEAUX 2015 October 11, 2012 Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases nd wine of Château Léoville Las Cases Sweet fruit on the nose the palate has depth of flavour rich cassis backed by firmer black cherry. The sweet fruit on the mid palate is supported by fine tannins and although firm at the back the finish has sweetness and depth. La Petite Marquis nd wine of Clos du Marquis Fresh and fragrant the nose is light and bright the start of the palate has bilberry freshness. Sweeter in the middle ripe fruit richer flavours yet there is fresh fruit underpinning the finish. Château Saint-Pierre 4eme Cru Bright and light the nose has a fragrant mix of bilberry and bramble the start of the palate has herbaceous freshness. There is a sweeter feel in the middle rich fruit with a fleshy ripeness giving depth on the finish. Château Talbot 4eme Cru Firm on the nose the start of the palate is tight bright and herbaceous. Richer in the middle the mix of cassis and black cherry is sweet but at the back firm tannins tend to hold back fruit expression and shorten the finish. Margaux Château Angludet Ripe black fruits on the nose and there is sweet fruit on the palate rich in the middle with dark chocolate. Bilberry at the back refreshes but it fills out on the finish the fruit sweet and ripe. Alter Ego nd wine of Château Palmer Sweet ripe fruit the nose has depth the palate is fleshy rich with dark chocolate and ripe cassis the tannins are fine the mid palate supple. An underlying freshness balances lightens the back palate the finish has a hint of vanilla precision length and elegance. Château Brane-Cantenac 2eme Cru The nose is rich and ripe with a mix of black fruits the palate has depth richness with cassis and dark chocolate supple and fleshy. A hint of vanilla at the back adds to the complexity the finish lifted has length style polished. Tasted at the Château April The fruit on the nose is sweet the palate has rich ripe black fruits fleshy in the middle supple with fine tannins. There is underlying freshness a bramble and bilberry mix the finish fine, long with a hint of spicy vanilla. 11 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

12 October 11, 2012 BORDEAUX 2015 Château Cantenac-Brown 3eme Cru The nose has a mix of black fruits the start of the palate fresh the mid tannins quite tight. There is sweetness at the back more depth of flavour but under the ripe fruit the sweetness bilberry refreshes and lightens the finish. Chevalier de Lascombes nd wine of Château Lascombes Tasted at the Château May 2016 Ripe fruit the nose is sweet the start of the palate has fleshy richness. Bilberry freshness in the middle it feels lighter bright but fills out at the back with rich ripe black cherry. Château Dauzac 5eme Cru Depth and sweetness on the nose the fruit on the palate feels ripe supple and fleshy in the middle. The underlying tannins are firm the back palate lacking a bit of generosity and the finish is tight. Château Desmirail 3eme Cru Bilberry and bramble the nose is fresh the start of the palate bright Firmer in the middle a slight lack of generosity the fruit at the back is fresh and the finish lacks real depth. Château Durfort-Vivens 2eme Cru Generosity on the nose the palate starts with sweet ripe fruit mid fleshiness and suppleness. There is balance brighter and fresher at the back but the sweet fruit on the finish gives more richness and depth. Château Ferrière 3eme Cru Perfumed violets the nose is fragrant the start of the palate fresh with blueberries and bramble. There is mid generosity with sweet fruit at the back ripe and hints of vanilla on the finish. Château Giscours 3eme Cru Generous and rich on the nose the start of the palate lighter perfumed with bilberry and bramble. Depth in the middle fleshy, silky and rich the ripe fruit backed by fine tannins. The back palate has depth and generosity yet the finish is lighter quite firm with mineral freshness. Château Kirwan 3eme Cru It is bright on the nose bunches of spring violets the palate though rich and ripe with mid generosity. The juicy richness on the mid palate is balanced by fresher fruit but sweet ripe cassis is there at the back giving richness on the finish. Château Labégorce Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 12

13 BORDEAUX 2015 October 11, 2012 The nose is sweet and ripe the palate firmer with bilberry freshness. Light in the middle the tannins are firm but fine yet there is richness at the back with fleshy black cherry and cassis on the finish. Château d Issan 3eme Cru The fruit on the nose is bright the start of the palate fresh. Sweet fruit depth ripe cassis in the middle the fruit is supported by fine tannins. Juicy fleshy depth at the back the finish has hints of vanilla. Château Lascombes 2eme Cru Rich and ripe on the nose the palate is fleshy and supple with ripe black fruits. Tighter in the middle firm tannins and a mineral edge yet it fills out at the back rich and generous on the finish. Tasted at the Château May Château Malescot-Saint-Exupéry 3eme Cru Ripe black fruits the nose has depth the palate fleshy and supple. Ripe cassis is backed by dark chocolate but there is freshness bilberry and bramble balancing firmer at the back but sweet and ripe on the finish. Château Margaux 1er Cru Fresh and fragrant the nose has a mix of red and black fruits the start of the palate sweet with ripe fruit. Supple generous in the middle a complex mix of fruits. Perfect balance freshness yet sweetness fine tannins ethereal a stylish elegance. Richer at the back the fruit is sweet with depth on the finish. Château Marquis de Terme 4eme Cru The nose is tight the start of the palate firm with black cherry and cassis. Quite light at the start but there is richness in the middle sweet and ripe fruit. The tannins are obvious the back palate tight but it does open up with a sweeter feel to the finish. Château Monbrison Sweetness and depth the fruit on the nose is rich ripe cassis and a hint of black plum. Velvety and supple the mid palate has flesh but underneath there is a balancing freshness firmer at the back more structure yet it finishes with rich ripe black fruits. Château Palmer 3eme Cru The nose has a fragrant floral freshness the palate brooding richness with the black fruits backed by chocolate and coffee. The tannins are fine the mid palate supple but there is balance with fresher black fruits give a lighter feel on the back palate the finish is long lighter and elegant. Pavillon Rouge de Château Margaux nd wine of Château Margaux 13 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

14 October 11, 2012 BORDEAUX 2015 The nose has a fragrant charm the start of the palate light quite fresh brambles and bilberries. Sweet in the middle supple and fleshy the mix of black fruits is ripe. Fine tannins support chocolate and coffee at the back depth the finish is lighter stylish elegance and style the fruit lingering. Château Prieuré-Lichine 4eme Cru Firm and tight on the nose the palate has a mix of fresh black fruits. There is a hint of mid sweetness with bilberry freshness at the back and the finish is lacking in depth and concentration. Château Rauzan-Gassies 2eme Cru The nose is fresh lacking depth the start of the palate tight and bright. There is mid sweetness a mix of black fruits but the tannins are very firm tending to hold back the fruit. The finish is bright fruity just lacking concentration. Château Rauzan-Ségla 2eme Cru Sweet and ripe on the nose depth of flavour the palate has a rich mix of cassis and black cherry all backed by dark chocolate. Mid suppleness fleshy and velvety yet there is balance with fresh fruit at the back purity a mineral edge the finish sweet with rich fruit. Château Siran Tight on both nose and palate is lacking in richness with fresh black fruits. The mid palate has more depth and richness ripe cassis but firm tannins show at the back a lack of richness and the finish lacks generosity. Château du Tertre 5eme Cru Fragrant spring violets the start of the palate is bright and fresh a bilberry bramble mix. Richer in the middle the fruit is ripe fleshy with fine velvety tannins dense black fruits. Lighter at the back and the finish has freshness and good length. Moulis Château Chasse-Spleen The black fruits on the nose are rich and sweet the start of the palate has depth. Firmer in the middle more of a black cherry character but the tannins are fine not that obvious and there is cassis and chocolate richness on the finish. Château Maucaillou The fruit on the nose is sweet quite ripe but the palate is firmer with mid structure, light and fresh with a mix of cassis and bilberry. There is some sweeter fruit at the back but it finishes firm and tight. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 14

15 BORDEAUX 2015 October 11, 2012 Château Mauvesin Barton Tasted at Château Léoville Barton May 2016 Violets fragrance the nose has charm the start of the palate is bright with bramble and raspberries. Sweet fruit in the middle discreet tannins depth of flavour the ripeness gives suppleness at the back the finish though feels fresher brightness and length. Château Poujeaux Firm and fresh on the nose but the palate has depth a mix of sweet black fruits. The tannins are firm but ripe an underlying structure with cassis and black cherry richness on the finish. Listrac Château Clarke Bright and fresh on the nose the start of the palate is firm slightly tight the mid palate has structure the fruit supported by firm tannins. There is more depth and richness at the back ripe cassis the finish though lighter and slightly short. Château Fonréaud The nose is light scented the palate bright with a mix of red fruits and bramble. More mid depth but the tannins at the back are firm the finish quite tight. Château Fourcas Dupré The nose is light the start of the palate fresh with a bramble and bilberry mix. Richer in the middle ripe sweet fruit but tannins at the back are firm the finish tight it tends to lack generosity. Château Fourcas Hosten Bright and fresh on the nose the start of the palate is light with a bramble and bilberry mix. The mid tannins are firm quite tight at the back but there is sweetness more depth and richness on the finish. Haut-Médoc Château Beamont Sweet fruit on the nose the start of the palate is rich with black plum and cassis. The tannins are firm but fine and although lighter and fresher at the back there is a sweet feel to the finish Château Belgrave 5eme Cru Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

16 October 11, 2012 BORDEAUX 2015 The fruit on the nose is sweet the palate ripe with cassis and black cherry all underpinned by liquorice. The tannins are fine but firm slightly tight at the back but it fills out on the finish with depth of fruit. Château Bernadotte The nose has the richness of sweet black fruits and the palate has depth with ripe black cherry and cassis. Quite fleshy and supple in the middle but it is tight at the back with firm tannins yet under the structure there is richness and sweetness on the finish Château Cambon La Pelouse The fruit is sweet and ripe the nose has depth the start of the palate fleshy and rich. Ripe fruit in the middle backed by dark chocolate and although there are firm tannins at the back the finish has depth and sweetness. Château de Camensac 5eme Cru Firm on the nose the start of the palate tight the mid tannins quite obvious. There is sweetness at the back a ripe cassis and black cherry mix but it is quite dry on the finish and lacks length. Château Cantemerle 5eme Cru Rich and ripe on the nose the palate has flesh, richness depth of ripe black fruits. There is a balancing freshness a bramble bilberry mix and although quite firm at the back the tannins are fine. Sweet ripe fruit and dark chocolate gives depth on the finish. Château Citran Freshness on the nose and the start of the palate is bright and quite light. A touch richer in the middle but it lacks real substance and concentration. Château Coufran The nose has a mix of fruits the start of the palate is bright and fresh. Sweeter in the middle some ripe black cherry but firm tannins show at the back and tend to dry the finish. Château La Lagune 3eme Cru Sweet and ripe the nose has depth the palate starts with rich black cherry and dark chocolate. Supple and rich in the middle the tannins are fine well handled with sweet fruit filling out the back palate and giving depth on the finish. Château de Lamarque The nose has a mix of fresh fruits the start of the palate is light with firm tannins tending to hold back the fruit. Slightly richer at the back some sweet cassis but the finish is quite tight and slightly dry. Château Lanessan Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 16

17 BORDEAUX 2015 October 11, 2012 The nose lacks depth and the start of the palate is light and fresh. Tight in the middle with firm tannins the back palate and finish lack richness and depth. Château Sénéjac The nose has bilberry freshness and the start of the palate is light but it fills out in the middle with sweet fruit and dark chocolate. The tannins are firm but fine the back palate has bramble freshness with sweet fruit coming through giving more depth on the finish. Château La Tour Carnet 4eme Cru The fruit is fresh at the start the nose bright with a bramble bilberry mix. There is mid sweetness and more depth of fruit at the back with ripe black cherry giving richness on the finish. Médoc Chapelle de Potensac nd wine of Château Potensac Fresh and fragrant on the nose the palate is light bilberry and bramble. A touch of sweetness in the middle slightly more depth but the finish is light fresh and a touch short. Goulée by Cos d Estournel Rich, ripe sweet black fruits the nose has depth the start of the palate is rich. Fresher in the middle the fruit is underpinned by fine tannins. There is sweetness with rich black cherry a hint of dark chocolate at the back depth of flavour yet the finish is bright and fresh. Château Potensac The nose has a mix of fresh fruits and the start of the palate is bright. Sweet in the middle with fine tannins mid suppleness and although there is depth of fruit at the back the finish has bramble freshness. Château La Tour de By The nose has a mix of fresh black fruits the start of the palate bright but there is mid richness ripe cassis and black cherry. The tannins support but are fine and there is a fleshy richness at the back. Pessac-Léognan Rouge Château Bouscaut The nose has a mix of sweet black fruits and the start of the palate has ripe cassis and black cherry. The tannins on the mid palate are firm but not over obvious sweet at the back yet light and fresh on the finish. Château Brown Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

18 October 11, 2012 BORDEAUX 2015 Sweet on the nose the palate starts with ripe fruit black cherry chocolate richness in the middle. The tannins are firm the back palate quite tight but it does fill out on the finish with sweet ripe fruit. Château Carbonnieux Fresh on the nose the start of the palate is bright with blackberry and black currant. There is a greater weight of fruit in the middle and although quite rich at the back the finish is fresh and lacking a bit of depth. Château Les Carmes de Haut-Brion Spicy and fresh there is a lot happening on the nose and the start of the palate is bright. Rich ripe black cherry in the middle the fleshiness is balanced by freshness. The back palate tends to lack depth and the finish if firm and fresh. La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion Depth on the nose the start of the palate is fleshy rich with ripe black fruits. There is mid suppleness depth of fruit balance between the sweetness and freshness brighter at the back some underlying bilberry the fruit lingering on the long finish. Domaine de Chevalier Bright and fresh the nose has fragrance and bright black fruits the start of the palate a mix of bilberry and bramble. Rich and ripe in the middle the fruit underpinned by fine tannins but it fills out at the back supple and ripe with sweet fruit giving depth on the finish. Le Clarence de Haut-Brion Rich and ripe on the nose the mix of black fruits is sweet the mid palate fleshy and supple a sumptuous richness. Bilberry and bramble underpin and balance the layers of flavour giving complexity and although rich and ripe at the back the finish is fresher with stylish elegance. Château de Fieuzal The nose is tight and the start of the palate fresh bright but lacking richness. There is more depth at the back sweet fruit but the tannins are firm and tend to hold back the fruit and close down the finish. Château de France The nose is light and fresh the palate lacks mid richness and depth. There is a sweeter feel at the back with black cherry and cassis but the tannins are quite obvious and tend to hold back the fruit on the finish. Château Haut-Bailly The nose has a mix of sweet black fruits and the start of the palate is rich and ripe with dark chocolate. Mid flesh, supple with fine tannins and although there is freshness at the back stylish the finish is sweet ripe with depth of flavour. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 18

19 BORDEAUX 2015 October 11, 2012 Tasted at the Château May Château Haut-Brion 1er Cru Brooding depth the nose has rich ripe black fruits the palate is fleshy and supple black plum and black cherry underpinned by dark chocolate. Underlying freshness fine tannins there is a balance of sweet fruit and freshness complexity. Sweet fruit at the back depth of flavour richness yet the finish is bilberry fresh slightly lighter stylish long and elegant. Château Haut-Bergey The black fruits on the nose are fresh and the start of the palate tight. Cassis in the middle is ripe richer and sweeter at the back but firm tannins tend to hold back the fruit and shorten the finish. Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Bright fresh fruits the nose is fragrant the start of the palate light. There is more mid depth black cherry and cassis and although rich at the back the finish is quite light and fresh. Château La Tour-Martillac Light and bright the palate has bramble and bilberry freshness. Slightly richer and sweeter in the middle but the fresh fruits dominate the back palate. Château La Louvière Firm on the nose the palate is tight with a bramble bilberry mix. The tannins are obvious there is a lack of richness and sweetness and the finish if firm and lacking in length. Château Malartic-Lagravière The fruit is sweet and ripe the nose has depth and the palate dark chocolate richness. The ripe fruit on the mid palate is underpinned by bramble freshness balance with at the back rich sweet fruit and depth on the finish. Château La Mission Haut-Brion The nose seems quite light fragrant and fresh yet the palate has hidden depth a brooding mix of black cherry and cassis. Chocolate richness in the middle fleshy and ripe, sumptuous yet there is balance between richness and freshness. Sweet ripe black fruits at the back depth of flavour yet the finish is lighter brighter long and elegant. Château Olivier Bright and fresh on the nose the start of the palate is quite light but there is mid richness with a cassis and black cherry mix. Sweet at the back but the finish is dominated by fresh fruits light but nice length. Château Le Pape Merlot 75% Cabernet Sauvignon 25% 19 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

20 October 11, 2012 BORDEAUX 2015 Tasted at the Château May 2016 The fruit on the nose is fresh mainly black fruits but there are hints of red fruits behind. Sweet in the middle a mix of black cherry and blackcurrant and although lighter at the back there is sweetness on the finish. Château Pape-Clément Ripe on the nose the palate has a fleshy richness supple in the middle. There is balance with bramble freshness behind the rich ripe black plum and although full and ripe on the back palate the finish is lighter and fresher. La Parde de Haut-Bailly nd wine of Château Haut-Bailly Ripe fruit the nose has richness and depth the start of the palate some fleshy black fruits. The tannins are firm but fine the back palate is fresher yet the finish has the sweetness of ripe black fruits. Tasted at the Château May Château Picque Caillou The fruit is fresh the nose quite light and the start of the palate bright. Cassis in the middle gives more depth and there is sweetness at the back but it finishes firm and fresh. Château Smith Haut-Lafitte Depth on the nose the palate has brooding richness layers of black fruits. Sweet and ripe in the middle fleshy and supple but there is balance with bilberry under the rich black cherry and chocolate. Sweet and ripe at the back yet the finish is stylish lighter and long. Pessac-Léognan Blanc Château Carbonnieux The fruit on the nose is sweet the palate starts with greengage richness. There is an underling citrus freshness a mix of fruits and although it feels richer at the back with hints of sweetness the finish is racy and fresh fruited. La Clarté de Haut-Brion Sauvignon Blanc 27% Sémillon 73% The nose is floral with a mix of citrus fruits the start of the palate bright with fresh limes. On the mid palate a fruit salad of tropical fruits gives richness and depth the sweetness though balanced by underlying grapefruit freshness. Domaine de Chevalier Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 20

21 BORDEAUX 2015 October 11, 2012 The fruit on the nose is sweet depth of flavour the palate starts with ripe greengage richness complexity of flavours. There is an underling citrus freshness bright at the back but sweet fruit comes through giving richness on the finish. Château Haut-Brion Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 69% Sémillon 31% The nose has depth sweet fruit the palate an opulence depth of flavour with tropical fruits backed by yellow peach. There is balance the mid sweetness underpinned by citrus freshness layers of flavour complexity. Fleshy and sweet at the back the finish is lighter and fresher there is the feel of power yet elegance. Château Malartic-Lagravière Racy freshness on the nose the start of the palate is citrusy and bright. Sweet in the middle there is apricot richness with sweet fruit depth of flavour at the back. The finish is leaner bright with a good balancing acidity and length of flavour. Château La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 33% Sémillon 67% Depth on the nose a rich mix of tropical fruit the start of the palate is fleshy with white peach. There is balance the richness on the mid palate refreshed by grapefruit and lime and although the back palate has sweet fruit the finish bright with a racy length. Château Pape-Clement The nose has ripe fruit the start of the palate full and fleshy ripe peach with underlying pineapple. Brighter at the back the sweet fruit is underpinned by citrus but it finishes with sweet fruit depth of flavour. Château Smith Haut-Lafitte The mix of citrus fruits is fresh the nose bright but it fills out in the middle rich ripe pineapple a hint of apricot the sweet fruit underpinned by lime freshness. Light and floral on the back palate the finish long with a mix of fresh fruits. Graves Rouge Château de Chantegrive The fruit feels ripe the nose has sweetness depth of fruit in the middle. Fresher at the back the finish is light and bright. Château Ferrande The nose is closed the start of the palate firm with fresh black fruits. There is a hint of sweetness towards the back but the finish lacks real depth quite tight and fresh and lacking length. 21 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

22 October 11, 2012 BORDEAUX 2015 Château Rahoul The nose has depth and sweetness the start of the palate is rich with ripe black fruits. Bright in the middle an underlying freshness but it fills out at the back and the finish has fair depth. Château Villa Bel-Air The black fruits on the nose are fresh the start of the palate light and bright. There is mid sweetness richer fleshy black fruits the finish has depth and richness. Sauternes Château Bastor-Lamontagne The nose is light and fresh the start of the palate bright. It is richer in the middle sweet fruit more depth with a peach apricot mix but lighter and fresher at the back more of a tropical fruit character. Clos Haut-Peyraguey 1er Cru The fruit is ripe the nose has depth of fruit the palate a candied ripe apricot richness. Sweet and ripe in the middle the fleshy apricot backed by marmalade richness. There is balance fresher and lighter at the back a mix of tropical fruit the finish bright and fragrant. Château de Fargues The nose has depth of fruit rich and ripe the palate yellow peach and ripe apricot all underpinned by freshness. The sweet ripe fruit gives fleshy richness in the middle honeyed and although bright at the back the finish has depth with the sweetness of ripe fruit. Château Guiraud 1er Cru Honey, caramelized peel the fruit on the nose is sweet and ripe the start of the palate fleshy sumptuous in the middle the candied peel richness backed by ripe apricot. There is balance coming from the fresh fruits at the back a hint of botrytis with sweet ripe fruit enriching the finish. Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey 1er Cru Sumptuous the nose has the richness of ripe fruit the start of the palate has honeyed sweetness. There is mid depth candied peel, apricots, yellow peach a mix of flavours. Sweet ripe and rich on the back palate the finish is light with a hint of botrytis. Château Lamothe-Guignard 2eme Cru Ripe fruit gives richness on the nose and fleshy depth on the palate. The mid palate has voluptuous richness with candied citrus peel underpinned by ripe apricots. A hint of freshness at the back helps to balance the sweetness but the finish is sumptuous and fleshy. Château Liot Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 22

23 BORDEAUX 2015 October 11, 2012 The fruit is sweet the nose packed with rich ripe flavours. Honeyed some ripe apricot and yellow peach with candied peel and although rich with depth of flavour it feels lighter at the back charm and elegance with citrus freshness giving a lighter brighter finish. Château de Malle 2eme Cru The nose is quite light sweet but lacking a bit of richness. There is more depth and sweet fruit on the start of the palate the middle palate quite fleshy with ripe apricots and peaches. Sweet at the back but the finish is lighter quite fragrant with a hint of freshness. Château de Rayne Vigneau 1er Cru Depth on the nose the palate is sweet a compote of ripe apricot and peach underpinned by caramelized peel. There is balance lighter at the back with an underlying freshness but it finishes with fleshy sweetness. Château Sigalas-Rabaud 1er Cru The nose has a mix of ripe fruits but the palate is fresher lighter with tropical fruits. Sweeter and richer in the middle but at the back there is lighter fragrant but lacks a little richness and depth. Château Suduiraut 1er Cru The nose has a fleshy richness depth of flavour the palate is lush and ripe with apricots and yellow peaches all backed by slices of candied orange peel. The voluptuous fleshy richness is underpinned by tangerine slighter fresher at the back but it finishes with depth sweet fleshy fruit. Château La Tour Blanche 1er Cru Rich and ripe the nose is sweet the palate has depth of fruit fleshy ripe peach, apricot, candied peel layers of flavour. There is some fresh fruit towards the back slightly lighter but the finish has depth and ripe fruited richness. Château D Yquem 1er Cru Supérieur Voluptuous, rich the nose has ripe fruit depth yet fragrance. The palate is sumptuous the candied peel, the orange marmalade underpinned by apricot and peach. The mid power is tempered by tangerine freshness and although rich and sweet at the back the finish is fine long and elegant. Barsac Château Broustet 2eme Cru Rich and ripe the nose has depth of fruit the palate ripe apricot candied peel a honeyed sweetness in the middle. There is enough freshness to balance lighter at the back with sweet ripe fruit giving richness on the finish. 23 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

24 October 11, 2012 BORDEAUX 2015 Château Coutet 1er Cru Rich and ripe the nose has sweetness the palate honeyed fleshiness. Yellow peach and apricot are backed by candied orange peel the fleshy richness balanced by tangerine freshness and although slightly lighter at the back the finish is rich sumptuous and sweet. Château Doisy-Daëne 2eme Cru The fruit is ripe the nose has ripe apricot richness the start of the palate fleshy and rich. Brighter in the middle some underlying citrus and although lighter at the back the finish has the sweetness of ripe fruit. Château Doisy-Védrines 2eme Cru Ripe apricot, yellow peach the nose has the richness of sweet fruit the palate is fleshy sumptuous with honeyed richness in the middle slices of candied orange peel. There is enough tangerine to balance slightly lighter at the back the finish though lush, rich and ripe. Château de Myrat 2eme Cru Sweet fruit on the nose the palate is ripe with rich candied peel and apricot in the middle. There is freshness at the back the finish lighter and fresher just lacking a bit of depth and complexity. Château Nairac 2eme Cru The nose is quite light the start of the palate fragrant with a mix of tropical fruit. Sweet and ripe fruited in the middle apricot is backed by candied orange peel the mid richness underpinned by tangerine at the back. It is lighter fragrant with a mix of fruit on the finish richness yet underlying freshness. Derek Smedley MW Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 24